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RENEWED calls for widespread 20 mph limits and other measures to protect cyclists have been made, as two in three commuters (66%) said most roads were unfit for cycling in a survey by charity Brake and solicitors Bolt Burdon Kemp.
The survey of 1,550 commuters revealed many would be persuaded to cycle if roads were safer.

A third (35%) said they would switch to cycling their commute if the route was less dangerous and 46% would be persuaded to make other local journeys by bike given safer roads.

Nearly half said they cycle on roads already (47%), but two-thirds of these (64%) only do so occasionally. Only one in ten (10%) use their bike as their main form of transport to commute.

The majority of those surveyed said 20 mph limits and other safe cycling measures were needed in their area. Only a minority already have widespread 20 mph limits (15%) and other safe cycling measures like cycle paths (13%). Of those who don’t already have them, three-quarters (73%) would back widespread 20 mph limits and 83% would back measures like cycle paths being introduced in their community.

Now road safety charity Brake and Bolt Burdon Kemp are launching a Cycle for Life campaign calling for:

Local authorities to implement widespread 20 mph limits in communities to protect cyclists and pedestrians, and more traffic-free and segregated cycle paths on commuter routes and connecting homes and community facilities;

Government to encourage and fund more local authorities to take these steps;

Drivers to slow down to 20 mph in communities and look out for cyclists, especially at junctions and on bends;

Employers to play their part in promoting safe cycling, raising awareness about safe driving to protect cyclists, and ensuring commercial vehicles have the latest blind spot devices. Organisations signing up to back the campaign will get guidance on promoting safe cycling.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: ‘It’s positive the Government is working to encourage cycling to improve health and reduce pollution, but it must also ensure roads are safe for cyclists. Widespread 20 mph limits and cycle paths where people live and work would encourage more people to cycle, without their lives being threatened by fast traffic.’